How can writing reveal patterns and possible solutions to youth violence?

Join us for an unforgettable evening of student writing about street violence. Young Playwrights’ Theater has teamed with youth throughout the city to tell the stories of people who are drawn into neighborhood and gang violence, those who fight to resist it, and those whose lives are irrevocably changed by the violence in their communities. Dying for Respect is presented as part of YPT’s New Writers Nowseries of student plays performed in a staged reading by professional actors, followed by community discussion. “Dying for Respect” is made possible by support from the Citywide Coordinating Council on Youth Violence Prevention.

Click on the image to view details for any photo. You can also view all of our photo albums on our main photo page.

My Life's Work

New Writers Now!

Do we work to live or live to work?

Young playwrights explore the role of work in a balanced life. Do we strive to attain the perfect job? Or is work a means to an end? Join us for an evening of original plays by student playwrights. My Life’s Work

is presented as part of YPT’s New Writers Nowseries of student plays performed in a staged reading by professional actors, followed by community discussion.

The Hispanic College Fund joins YPT for this presentation. Members of their staff will be on hand during the reception to talk about HCF’s programs, including college scholarships for students of Hispanic heritage.

Click on the image to view details for any photo. You can also view all of our photo albums on our main photo page.

Playing With Fire

New Writers Now!

How does the artist challenge and shape society?

Young playwrights explore the power and potential of the artist. How can the arts help us to see with new eyes? What responsibility does the artist have to his or her community? Join us for an evening of original plays by student playwrights. Playing With Fire

is presented as part of YPT’s New Writers Nowseries of student plays performed in a staged reading by professional actors, followed by community discussion.

Americans for the Arts and LAYC’s Art + Media House join YPT for this presentation. An exhibit of artwork by LAYC Art + Media House students will be on display in the lobby. Stephanie Evans of Americans for the Arts will attend the event to spread the word about arts advocacy on a national and local level.

Click on the image to view details for any photo. You can also view all of our photo albums on our main photo page.

The Heights of Change

New Writers Now

How can theater help us bridge the gentrification gap?

Young playwrights explore rapid change in an urban neighborhood. How can a community grow while honoring its past? How can the needs of long-time residents be balanced against the desires of newcomers? Join us for an evening of original plays by student playwrights. The Heights of Change

is presented as part of YPT’s New Writers Nowseries of student plays performed in a staged reading by professional actors, followed by community discussion.

Gentrification was the subject the students in the Young Playwrights’ Theater were assigned to tackle and make into a play. Some students had never heard of the word, although they were living in the midst of it, walking through it each school day in Columbia Heights where their after-school program on playwriting is located. Watching stores go up and trees come down, and neighbors disappearing and new people coming in and the bright lights of Target and Best Buy replacing dingy old buildings. At least some people thought they were dingy.